From high-end shopping malls to outlet centres, Virginia offers plenty of options for those wishing to flex their purchasing power.

Discount outlets abound in Virginia, making it a prime destination for affordable shopping. Potomac Mills and Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets are both an easy drive from downtown Washington, while shoppers venturing further south can enjoy the Williamsburg Premium Outlets.

In Old Town Alexandria, shoppers will find a variety of chic boutiques, antique shops and specialty stores, as well as cafés and restaurants for when a browsing break is in order. For art enthusiasts, Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory offers three floors of studios and galleries, presenting a unique opportunity to purchase original artwork and interact with artists from around the Capital Region.

Virginia Dining

Although host to a diverse culinary scene, Virginia is known throughout the Capital Region for its traditional Southern USA dining. Enjoy local specialties such as country ham, grits and barbeque, or indulge in family-style soul food as you chow down on golden fried chicken, mashed potatoes and collard greens. With fragrant aromas and an ability to make any stomach feel content, you’ll quickly see why local cuisine is known as “comfort food”.

Along the coast, seafood is another favourite specialty, and is often served fresh off the fishing boats. Enjoy uniquely flavourful shellfish and finfish, including blue crab, oysters, scallops, mackerel, flounder and striped bass.

To further explore the state’s delicious natural resources, visit Grandale Restaurant or Poppy Hill Tuscan Kitchen in Fredericksburg, which was recently named one of the top 10 farm-to-table restaurants in the United States. Or, stop by one of Virginia’s many farmer’s markets, where fresh fruits and vegetables, locally made cheeses and homemade bread and baked goods will provide everything needed for a delectable farm-fresh picnic.

To create your own locally-sourced meal, bring along your picnic to one of Virginia’s many wineries, and complement your cuisine with a glass of regional wine.

Get a sense of local flavour as you taste your way through the Capital Region’s restaurant options. Explore shopping and dining throughout the region.

Discover the Capital Region USA. Experience the best of the Capital Region USA – Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland – from famous attractions and shopping to beaches, mountains, scenic drives and beyond.